Scholarships for studying abroad by Indian Government

We have often seen that students with great merit sometimes find it difficult to afford education abroad. Hence, to give Indian students access to better education and to encourage them to study abroad Indian government has introduced several scholarship schemes. These programs cover their living expense, tuition fees and other related charges and are accessible to students from all backgrounds irrespective of caste, religion, creed, or race. Here are some of the top scholarships to study abroad that the Indian government are offering to highly motivated students.

Explore a wide range of fully funded scholarships for Indian students, offering the chance to study abroad without the financial burden:

Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships

The scholarship is awarded to students who want to pursue higher education in the US.

Eligibility criteria

• Either a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or full-time master’s diploma

• A minimum score of 55% in your graduation

• Applicants need at least three years of relevant full-time, paid work experience by the deadline.

• Community service experience

• At least a band of 6.0 in English language proficiency tests like IELTS

• Applicants must not hold a U.S. degree or be currently enrolled in a U.S. degree program.

• Employed applicants need an employer endorsement stating that leave will be granted for the fellowship period.

Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships cover

• Plane tickets from India to your study destination

• Tuition fee for the institution

• Accidents, sickness of any kind as per the guidelines issued by the government

*Source: https://www.usief.org.in/Fulbright-Nehru-Fellowships.aspx

This scholarship was introduced for students coming from other backward classes (OBC) or economically backward classes (EBC) who want to pursue higher education abroad.

Eligibility criteria

• A position secured in an international institution for a master’s, PhD, or MPhil

• A loan from a bank under the Education Loan Scheme of the Indian Banks Association (IBA)

• For OBC, the family income should not be more than INR 8 lakhs

• For EBC, the family income should not be more than INR 2.50 lakhs

• Students need to provide an income certificate, ITR, Form 16, etc.

Dr Ambedkar Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loan for Overseas Studies covers subsidies for the interest payable at the time of studying.

Launched in 1892 by Jamsetji Nusserwanjee Tata, this scholarship can be availed if you have planned to do a PhD or a Post-doctoral program in any discipline.

This scholarship for Indian students is granted to 90-100 scholars every year. The scholarship has some specific eligibility and selection criteria. Also, recently, loan scholarship amounts have varied from Rs.1 lakh to Rs.10 lakhs, with Rs.10 lakhs being the maximum. The qualification for the maximum amount varies.

Additionally, J.N. Tata scholars who accept the loan scholarship can also be eligible for a travel grant and a gift award based on criteria set by the allied Tata Trusts.

Eligibility criteria

• Candidate should be an Indian resident

• Must have an undergraduate degree

• A minimum score of 60% on your exams

• The age limit is 45 years

The JN Tata Endowment for the Higher Education of Indians covers

• Loan scholarship up to 10 lakhs

• Travel grants and gift awards from our allied Tata Trusts, based on criteria

*Source: https://jntataendowment.org/

This scholarship to study abroad for indian students is given to students who want to pursue their studies in the UK. This funds the students who get admission to participating universities or institutions. This scholarship is available in 20 UK universities.

Eligibility criteria

• Candidate must be an Indian citizen

• Must have an undergraduate degree

• Candidate must be applying to a university in the UK

• Meet the English Language requirements

• Attend UK-based networking events for GREAT scholars to share and discuss study experiences.

• Maintain contact with the British Council and your HEI, serving as an ambassador for the GREAT scholarships.

• As a GREAT scholarship alumnus, occasionally share your UK study experience with potential candidates.

Great Scholarships cover

• Tuition fees

• Maximum funding of USD 10,000

• Health allowance

• One-way travel

• Living expenses

*Source: https://www.britishcouncil.in/study-uk/scholarships/great-scholarships

Introduced in 1976, this scholarship is offered to students who want to study in USA. It covers up to USD 100,000 in tuition fees and other expenses.

Eligibility criteria

• These scholarships are for those students who are been residents of India for the past six months

• Applicants must have been born on or after January 1, 1994.

• A minimum of 70% academic grade if the student has opted for mathematics, science, and related studies

• A minimum of 65% academic grade if the student has opted for humanities, law, fine arts, social science, and architecture

• To qualify, applicants with a foreign undergraduate degree must have lived, worked, or studied in India for at least two years post-graduation.

• Applicants must have secured admission to their chosen institution and course before applying. The Foundation won't consider applications without proof of admission.

• Applicants with a conditional offer requiring an English language certification must obtain the certification before applying for the scholarship.

• Applicants with a deferred offer must hold a valid admission offer for the academic year they intend to study to qualify for the scholarship.

The Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships covers

• Health allowance

• Tuition Fee

• Living expense

• One-way travel allowance

*Source: https://inlaksfoundation.org/opportunities/scholarship/

It’s a UNICEF-sponsored fellowship offered to doctoral, academic, and professional researchers. This was introduced to encourage researchers to study climate change issues.

Eligibility criteria

• Students should have registered for the PhD program and have done sufficient research in their respective field

• Applicants who have been employed need to follow instructions regarding the employer’s endorsement

• Applicants must upload a copy of their original published paper or extracts from their Master’s/M.Phil. thesis (up to 20 pages) in the online application form

*Note: These fellowships are awarded to students for pre-doctoral level research. Applicants with a Ph.D. or those nearing Ph.D. thesis submission are not eligible.

Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship covers

• Monthly stipend

• J-1 visa support

• Professional allowance

• Accidents and sickness as per the government regulations

*Source: https://www.usief.org.in/Fulbright-Kalam-Climate-Fellowship.aspx

It’s a merit-based-overseas program established in 1933 for women who have a bachelor’s degree in social science, public health, social work, and the welfare of women and children.

Eligibility criteria

• The student needs to be an Indian citizen and have a bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution

• A strong and consistent academic record

• The students should have a minimum of two years of work experience

• The student should have applied for a recognised university in the US, the UK, or Europe

• Candidates must have all their results finalised to be eligible to apply. Those awaiting results are not eligible.

The Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust covers:

• Tuition fees

• Women benefits

*Source: https://www.tatatrusts.org/Upload/Content_Files/scholarship-announcement-2024-2025.pdf

This scholarship can be provided to students who choose to pursue their graduation at Cornel University. The university has received funding of $25 million from the Tata Trust.

Eligibility criteria

• It is offered to students for an undergraduate program

• The student needs to be a citizen of India and studied secondary school in India

• The student must have financial aid from parents or guardian

Cornell University Tata Scholarship covers

• Tuition fee and annual course fee

• Fully-funded program

*Source: https://admissions.cornell.edu/how-to-apply/first-year-international-applicants

A student who wishes to pursue further studies in Business, Law, or Economics at a university in Queensland can apply for this scholarship.

Eligibility criteria

• Students who want to study Business, Economics or Law can avail these foreign scholarship for indian students

• The applicant needs to be an Indian citizen residing in India currently

• The applicant needs to have a strong academic record

Indian Global Leaders Scholarship covers

• Tuition fee from AUD 5,000 to 20,000

• Access to programs offered by Student Employability Team

• Events, presentations, and seminars

You can also apply to:

1. Goa Education Trust Scholarship

2. Ontario Trillium Scholarship

3. Erasmus Mundus Scholarships

4. Commonwealth Scholarships

*Source: https://theglobalscholarship.org/about-us

This scholarship was introduced to fund the education of students coming from a scheduled caste background. This scholarship program was started by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and helps students study abroad. In this program, 100 scholarships are awarded in a year. A similar kind of scholarship was also launched for students from scheduled tribe backgrounds, but they only have 20 seats. Also, this scholarship can be awarded more than one-time.

Eligibility criteria

• At least 60% in your exams

• Candidate must be a permanent resident of India

• Family income should not exceed INR 8 lakhs

• Only two children from the same family are eligible

• Age limit is 35 years

National Overseas Scholarship covers

• Tuition fees of the university

• Medical insurance premium required in the international destination

• Contingency allowance

• Visa fees

• Incidental journey allowance and equipment allowance

• Annual maintenance allowance

*Source: https://socialjustice.gov.in/schemes/28#:~:text=The%20Central%20Sector%20Scheme%20of,.%2C%20Master%20degree%20or%20Ph.

Expenses are a big factor when deciding to study abroad. And so is finding the right scholarship and getting through the application process. To get a scholarship to study abroad, follow these steps:

1. Research: Look for scholarships specific to your chosen destination, field of study, or eligibility criteria.

2. Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the academic, financial, or nationality requirements.

3. Prepare Documents: Gather your transcripts, recommendation letters, essays, and proof of financial need (if applicable).

4. Apply Early: Submit your application before the deadline for better chances.

5. Ace Standardised Tests: Perform well in exams like IELTS, GRE, or SAT, as required.

6. Write a Strong Essay: Highlight your achievements, goals, and how the scholarship will help you.

7. Seek Help: Consult a study abroad expert such as IDP, they will tell you how to Apply for Scholarships Abroad

Scholarships are a boon for students who want to study abroad but need financial assistance. These scholarships can be of different types, such as merit-based, destination-based, subject-based, and student-centric. All you need to do is research well for the perfect program. If you need more information on scholarship programs granted by the Indian Government, get in touch with our international education experts at IDP.

We can provide you with details about Scholarships for Indian Students. Additionally, we can help you explore options for Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students that can make your study abroad dreams a reality.

Ques 1: How can I get a scholarship to study abroad?

You can get a scholarship to study abroad by searching for opportunities, checking eligibility, and applying early with all required documents, including test scores and personal statements.

Ques 2: Are there fully funded scholarships for Indian students to study abroad?

Yes, there are many fully funded scholarships for Indian students offered by governments, universities, and private organisations to cover tuition, living expenses, and travel.

Ques 3: What are the popular government scholarships to study abroad for Indian students?

Notable government scholarships for Indian students include the Commonwealth Scholarship, Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship, and the Chevening Scholarship.

Ques 4: How do I apply for scholarships to study abroad after the 12th?

To apply for scholarships after the 12th, identify the programs that support undergraduate studies abroad, prepare beforehand for scholarship exams, and submit applications with academic records and other required documents.

Ques 5: Are there scholarships for international students in all countries?

Yes, a lot of countries offer scholarships for international students, including destinations like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe.

• Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships to study in the UK

• Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships to study in the UK

• Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship to study in the UK

• India and UK sign agreement to recognise each other’s qualifications

• Know all about the CAS Letter for UK

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